Man Accidentally Buys Entire Street for $5,000
- Natasha L
- Nov 2
- 2 min read
Post Inspired by: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ux2b6gN53qw
Summary
An Ohio man, Jason Fontlery, bid $5,000 at a Butler County sheriff’s sale (2021) for what he thought was a small vacant lot in Trenton, OH—then discovered the deed also included the entire private street (Bloomfield Court) serving neighboring homes. Owning a private road meant potential liability (snow removal, asphalt repairs, accidents) without development upside, and he couldn’t block access because residents depended on it.
Believing the road had value, Jason sought to sell it—ideally to the city—but in 2024 Trenton pursued eminent domain to convert the private street to public use. While the Constitution requires “just compensation,” the city’s appraisal reportedly valued only the lot (~$5,000) and failed to separately appraise the street—sparking a multi-year dispute. Public debate split: some argued the road’s market value is effectively zero (it’s a street with costs, not buildable land); others said the city should still fairly appraise what it’s taking.
Reddit threads highlighted broader tensions between property rights and government power, recalling past eminent-domain cases. The narrator notes Zillow activity suggesting the street may have been conveyed in 2024 for ~$1,000 (unconfirmed in news), implying the saga likely ended with a low payout after years of stress and legal costs.
Key Takeaways
Sheriff’s sales can bundle surprises: Always read the legal description; you might buy easements, private roads, or other non-obvious interests.
Private road = private responsibility: Expect ongoing maintenance, liability, and costs—often outweighing any resale value.
Eminent domain requires compensation—but clarity matters: Owners should insist the exact interest taken (e.g., the street) is separately appraised.
Market value vs. practical value: Non-buildable infrastructure may appraise low or near zero despite seeming “big.”
Due diligence is everything: Title search, survey, plat maps, HOA status, and municipal records before bidding.
Communication gaps worsen disputes: Cities should explain process and appraisal logic; owners should document all contacts.
Public-use conversions are common: Converting private streets to public can reduce resident risk but triggers valuation fights.
Online auctions are not “as-is lite”: Treat them like any distressed asset—assume complex encumbrances until proven otherwise.
Public sentiment cuts both ways: Taxpayers may resist paying for a street; property-rights advocates stress fair treatment.
Exit paths can be costly: Even a “win” can become a low-dollar settlement after time, stress, and legal fees.
Related Keywords
accidentally bought a street
sheriff’s sale real estate risks
private road liability and maintenance
eminent domain Ohio case
Bloomfield Court Trenton street dispute
just compensation appraisal dispute
tax lien auction due diligence
buying land at sheriff auction pitfalls
public vs private street ownership
real estate legal description mistakes
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